Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) is an invasive exotic wetland plant that has had well-documented widespread impacts on the biodiversity of North American wetlands.

In 1992 the Canadian and US governments approved leaf-feeding beetles, Galerucella calmariensis and G. pusilla for continent-wide release to control the invasive exotic plant. Galerucella beetles are natural enemies of purple loosestrife. For well over 10 years these insects have been utilized by agencies across North America to effectively reduce loosestrife populations and enable native vegetation to become reestablished. Through various partnership initiatives and with the assistance of many volunteers, over 300 release sites have been successfully established across the wetland watersheds of Ontario.

How can you become involved?

• Fill out the purple loosestrife survey form attachment so we can document your loosestrife infestation and assist you with methods on controlling its spread. (survey attachment)
  
• Get involved in planning a Project Purple Week Event, a week devoted to promoting awareness of the ecological impacts associated with purple loosestrife.
  
• For more information on the Biological Control of Purple Loosestrife check of the following FAQ's and technical documents:

  • What happens to the Galerucella beetles when the purple loosestrife plants are gone?
  • Is purple loosestrife really the problem that it was once thought to be?
  • What is the potential for non-target effects when releasing Galerucella beetles to control purple loosestrife?
  • Are there other effective means of controlling purple loosestrife?
  • Frequently Asked Questions about the classical biological control of purple loosestrife

For more information contact the Invading Species Hotline 1-800-563-7711 or e-mail invading_species@ofah.org

Thank you to our supporting partners: